Fire crews search Simi Valley explosion site

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Fire crews have combed a community park northwest of Los Angeles in search of clues after a Fourth of July fireworks explosion injured dozens of revelers.

The Ventura County Fire Department completed its evidence collection at a Simi Valley park where between 8,000 and 10,000 spectators gathered days earlier to watch fireworks. Crews also gathered evidence in nearby Ojai, where a pyrotechnics operator was injured by a premature blast.

“We've collected everything we need to collect” from the Simi Valley site 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, Ventura County fire spokesman Mike Lindbery told the Ventura County Star.

A state fire official was due in town this week to join county fire officials on the investigation.

Fire burns 2,500 acres

Firefighters aided by water-dropping helicopters are battling a wildfire in San Diego County that has grown to 2,500 acres.

The blaze broke out Saturday in the Anza-Borrego desert nine miles southeast of Julian. It remained 10 percent contained Sunday.

Officials with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection say three firefighters were treated for minor injuries.

2 pedestrians killed

Authorities say a suspected drunken driver struck and killed two pedestrians who were out walking in San Diego County.

Earl Smith Jr. was arrested Sunday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

The California Highway Patrol says the 79-year-old man and 78-year-old woman were walking with their backs to traffic when they were hit by a Toyota Corolla driven by Smith.

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